FoodLab Welcomes Brian Halweil as Farm and Greenhouse Manager

The FoodLab at Stony Brook Southampton has appointed Sag Harbor resident Brian Halweil as its new Farm and Greenhouse Manager, bringing to campus a nationally recognized leader in sustainable agriculture, food systems innovation, and regenerative farming.

Halweil joins FoodLab with nearly three decades of experience spanning farming, food journalism, agricultural investment, sustainability strategy and food education. In his new role, he will oversee the FoodLab Farm and greenhouse operations while helping expand educational programming, community engagement and hands-on learning opportunities for students and the public.

"Brian brings a rare combination of practical farming experience, food systems expertise and deep connections throughout the East End agricultural community," said Judiann Carmack-Fayyaz, executive director of FoodLab. "His passion for educating others about where food comes from and how sustainable food systems can strengthen communities aligns perfectly with FoodLab's mission."

A graduate of Stanford University with a degree in earth systems and a minor in biology, Halweil founded the Stanford Community Farm, a student-run organic farm that continues to operate today. He later worked with research farms at the University of California, Davis, before building a distinguished career focused on sustainable agriculture and food innovation.

Most recently, Halweil worked with farmland investors, agricultural organizations, and regenerative farming enterprises to strengthen markets for organic and sustainably produced crops. He previously served as head of sustainability and marketing for Belltown Farms, a national regenerative agriculture platform, and advised leading impact investment funds focused on food and agriculture.

Halweil is also widely known throughout the food community as the former editor-in-chief and publisher of several regional editions of Edible magazine, where he helped grow readership across Long Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan and the East End. His work has connected farmers, chefs, consumers, educators and policymakers around conversations about food, sustainability and local agriculture.

His relationship with Stony Brook Southampton dates back to FoodLab's early years. Between 2016 and 2020, Halweil taught courses at the Southampton campus on food writing and global food systems and developed culinary education programs through Stony Brook's School of Professional Development.

"I've always believed that food has the power to connect people across disciplines and backgrounds," said Halweil. "FoodLab is uniquely positioned to bring together students, researchers, farmers, healthcare professionals, and community members to explore how food impacts our health, environment, and future. I'm excited to return to Southampton and help grow this important work."

As farm and greenhouse manager, Halweil will support FoodLab's expanding portfolio of initiatives, including sustainable agriculture training, community gardening programs, experiential education, and public events such as the annual Sea to Soil Symposium. The symposium brings together scientists, farmers, environmental leaders, and community members to examine the connections between agriculture, marine ecosystems, public health, and climate resilience.

Located at Stony Brook Southampton, FoodLab serves as a center for education, innovation, and collaboration dedicated to the future of food. Through teaching gardens, farm-based learning, workshops, public programming, and interdisciplinary partnerships, FoodLab explores how sustainable food systems can support healthier communities and a more resilient planet. FoodLab's mission is to establish Stony Brook University as a national center for studying the food-related challenges facing society, including feeding a growing population in the face of climate change and diminishing natural resources.

For Halweil, the opportunity is both professional and personal.

"The East End has an extraordinary food community and agricultural heritage," he said. "I'm looking forward to getting my hands back in the soil, working with students, and helping FoodLab continue to serve as a hub for learning, experimentation, and community connection."

About FoodLab

The FoodLab at Stony Brook Southampton is a center for education, innovation, and collaboration dedicated to the future of food. Originally founded through conversations among farmers, chefs, educators, and community leaders, FoodLab has grown into a living laboratory where students, researchers, practitioners, and the public explore sustainable agriculture, food systems, culinary innovation, and environmental stewardship. Through educational programs, workshops, community partnerships, and signature events such as the annual Sea to Soil Symposium, FoodLab works to cultivate a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient food future.

- Rita Langdon